Japanese Pittosporum
Pittosporum tobira
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
120 inches
Width
180 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Tolerates high humidity
Lifespan
Long-lived shrub
Native To
Japan, China, Korea
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Pittosporum tobira is a tough, adaptable, broadleaf evergreen shrub native to Japan, China, and Korea. It is prized for its dense, leathery, glossy dark green leaves and intensely fragrant spring flowers. The small, white, five-petaled flowers emerge in terminal clusters and possess a powerful, sweet fragrance similar to orange blossoms, which perfumes the garden in late spring.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location in full sun or light shade with good drainage
- Dig a hole twice the width of the container
- Place the plant in the hole, with the root flare at soil level
- Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly
- Water regularly for the first year to establish
- Once established, it is very drought tolerant
Pro Tip
Prune selectively to maintain its natural form; avoid shearing into tight shapes which can reduce flowering.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide good drainage
- Water deeply but infrequently once established
- Prune after the fragrant flowers have faded
Don't
- Do not plant in soggy, poorly drained locations
- Avoid heavy shearing, which can spoil the natural shape
- Don't worry about pests; it's very resistant
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Japanese Pittosporum questions
What zones can Japanese Pittosporum grow in?
Japanese Pittosporum is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Japanese Pittosporum deer resistant?
Yes — Japanese Pittosporum is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Japanese Pittosporum bloom?
Japanese Pittosporum typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Japanese Pittosporum need full sun?
Japanese Pittosporum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Japanese Pittosporum drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Japanese Pittosporum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
